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brother-in-law died

7K views 15 replies 16 participants last post by  LarryDNJR 
#1 ·
brother-in-law died

My wife's brother just died. It was unexpected. He was only 68.

His wife, who was 74, died 6 weeks ago.

I'm a retired actuary. Actuaries maintain statistics on what is commonly called "heartbreak death". This is the phenomenon of increased probability of death after the death of a spouse. Studies show a noticeable increase in death in the first 2 years after the death of a spouse. A formal term for quantifying this additional mortality is the "contagion factor".

Forget the actuarial analysis. This is a real human tragedy. There are 3 adult children who have lost both parents in a short period of time.

Makes you pause and think about what is important in life.
 
#6 ·
Sorry for the loss in your family. My in laws are a screwy bunch, but a LOT of fun. I'm not sure who would take it harder if we lost one of her siblings… I can only hope you've been as blessed as I have with a good family in law…
 
#8 ·
Sorry for you loss. Good info too. Gotta keep an eye on the survivors. Keep them focused and encouraged.
 
#12 ·
Rich,

I'm more than sorry.

I used to give tours at a convalescent home. Over and over, I saw how one would pass, and the other would follow shortly.

I realized that … while it certainly WAS sad … it was also some kind of beautiful.

I'm sorry for your nephews/nieces, but … from seeing your posts, here … also glad they have an Uncle Rich in their lives.

Be well.
 
#16 ·
My Grandfather passed away almost 9 years ago and almost exactly a year later my Grandmother passed away without him.

I can see how it would take its toll on a person especially in the older generation who have been with the same person for years and also possibly in declining health which does not help the situation.
 
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